Chapter 4

Chapter IV: Laguip  

The crisp morning air greets Benigno and Christine as they walk along the cobblestone streets of Calle Crisologo. The iconic heritage houses, their wooden balconies adorned with potted plants, look especially enchanting in the soft golden light of dawn. The streets are quiet, save for the occasional clip-clop of a kalesa passing by."Ang ganda talaga ng Calle Crisologo sa umaga," Christine remarks, her hand linked with Benigno's."Oo, parang bumabalik tayo sa nakaraan. Napaka-serene," Benigno replies, his eyes scanning the intricate details of the preserved Spanish-era houses. The couple takes their time exploring the street, stopping occasionally to admire the antique shops and cafés just opening for the day. After a leisurely stroll, they make their way to Plaza Burgos, where the city's heart begins to stir with life. The bells of St. Paul Metropolitan Cathedral ring out, signaling the start of the Sunday eucharistic celebration. The couple joins the congregation, finding a seat near the center aisle. The solemnity of the mass and the soothing hymns give them a moment of peace.Christine bows her head in prayer, silently pouring out her heart. Beside her, Benigno prays as well, though his thoughts drift to Regie. After the final blessing, they head to the candle area outside the cathedral. Christine selects three candles—red, white, and blue."Para sa pamilya natin," she whispers, lighting each one. Benigno nods, his hand resting lightly on her shoulder. "At para sa kapayapaan ng isip natin." They watch the flames flicker, each a small but hopeful prayer ascending to the heavens. Afterward, they decide to visit the Parish Office to request a special mass for their family. The staff receives their request warmly, assuring them it will be included in the following week's intentions. As they leave the Parish Office, a figure approaches them—a beggar, his clothes tattered, his beard unkempt, and his eyes hollow."Ma'am, Sir, baka naman pwedeng humingi ng kaunting tulong," he says, his voice weary. Christine exchanges a glance with Benigno, but they both shake their heads."Pasensya na po, wala po kaming dalang extra," Benigno says apologetically. The beggar lowers his head, muttering a soft "Salamat po" before stepping aside. As the couple exits through the cathedral gate, they notice an acolyte speaking kindly to the beggar. They walk back to Plaza Burgos, where the enticing aroma of freshly cooked food draws them to the food court. They decide on a classic local meal of Miki and Shanghai rolls. As they find a table and place their order, Christine suddenly notices the beggar from earlier lingering nearby. He's seated at a distance, his hands clasped over his knees, eyes downcast."Ben, andyan na naman siya," Christine whispers, nodding toward the man. Benigno looks over, his expression softening."Kawawa naman. Gutom siguro talaga." Instead of ignoring him this time, Christine waves the vendor over."Ate, paki-order na rin ng Miki para doon sa mama," she says, pointing discreetly at the beggar. When the meal is ready, Benigno carries the bowl over to the man."Kain ka muna, kuya. Para sumaya naman ang araw mo," he says, setting the food down. The beggar looks up, his eyes wide with surprise."Salamat po, Sir, Ma'am. Napakabuti niyo po." Christine smiles gently."Kain lang po kayo nang mabuti. God bless." The man nods gratefully and starts eating, savoring each bite as if it were the best meal he's had in days. The couple finishes their own meal, watching the plaza come to life with locals and tourists. As they prepare to leave, they glance one last time at the beggar, now sitting with a small but contented smile. Walking away, Christine whispers to Benigno,"Minsan, kahit sa ganitong maliit na paraan, nakakagaan ng loob tumulong." Benigno squeezes her hand."Tama ka. At minsan, baka may dahilan kung bakit natin siya nakilala." The couple heads home, their hearts a little lighter, unaware of how much this encounter will mean in the days to come. After their encounter with the beggar, Benigno and Christine continue to explore the lively streets of Vigan. The warm afternoon sun casts long shadows over the historic city, and the couple finds themselves marveling at the intricate weaving demonstrations at the Abel Iloko shops."Ang galing nila, no?" Christine says, running her hand over the vibrant handwoven fabric."Parang nakakatuwang dalhin ito sa Manila dati.""Dati iyon," Benigno replies, gently placing a hand on her back."Ngayon, dito na tayo. At least, walang masyadong stress." The couple enjoys the local delicacies—empanada and royal bibingka—purchased from a nearby stall. Their laughter fills the air as they share stories from their younger years, momentarily distracted from the lingering ache in their hearts. As night falls, they stroll back to their house. The gentle glow of lanterns lining the streets gives the city a magical ambiance, but Christine can't shake the nagging thoughts in her mind. Inside their quaint Vigan home, Christine prepares for bed while Benigno sits by the window, gazing at the starry sky."Alam mo, Ben, kahit nasa ganito tayong lugar, parang hindi pa rin kumpleto," she says softly, brushing her hair. Benigno turns to her with a faint smile."Christine, nandito tayo para magsimula ulit. Alam kong mahirap, pero kailangan nating magpatuloy." She nods, though her heart feels heavy. They lie down, the silence of the Ilocos night enveloping them. Christine finds herself in a strange dream. She's back in Manila, walking along a dimly lit street. The noise of the city surrounds her—the honking of jeepneys, the chatter of pedestrians, and the faint echo of distant sirens. She spots a hooded figure in the crowd."Regie?" she murmurs, instinctively moving toward the figure. The hooded man walks slowly, as if unaware of her presence. Christine picks up her pace, her pulse quickening."Regie, anak, ikaw ba 'yan?" she calls out, her voice trembling. The figure stops and slowly turns around. Christine gasps as she sees the face beneath the hood—it's Regie, but not the son she remembers. His face is gaunt, his eyes hollow and bloodshot. His body is frail, with clothes hanging loosely on his malnourished frame. Blood drips from the corner of his mouth, and his expression is one of anguish."Ma..." he whispers, his voice barely audible. Christine takes a step back, her heart pounding."Anak... bakit?" Suddenly, Regie's face contorts into a grotesque expression, and he lunges toward her. She screams, jolting awake in her bed. Benigno sits up immediately, alarmed by her cry."Christine! Ano'ng nangyari?" he asks, holding her shoulders. Tears stream down Christine's face as she struggles to catch her breath."Si Regie... nakita ko siya sa panaginip ko... pero... pero hindi na siya mukhang siya." Benigno pulls her into a tight embrace, gently stroking her back."Shh, panaginip lang 'yan. Wala na tayo sa Manila. Nandito na tayo sa Vigan, at gagawin natin ang lahat para maging maayos ang buhay natin." Christine clings to him, her sobs muffled against his chest."Pero, Ben, paano kung nasa masama siyang kalagayan? Paano kung—""Christine, wala tayong magagawa kung magpapadala tayo sa takot," Benigno says firmly, though his own voice wavers slightly."Magdasal tayo. Huwag nating hayaang kainin tayo ng guilt." They stay like that for a while, the stillness of the night gradually calming Christine. She eventually drifts back to sleep, her tears drying on her cheeks. Benigno, however, stays awake, staring into the darkness. His mind races with worry, guilt, and an overwhelming sense of longing for their son.